Title : Bio management of plant parasitic nematodes to enhance crop production in India
Abstract:
Phytonematodes induce about Rs. 21 billion only in 24 crops covered under AICRP on Nematodes in India. However togather with other crops, it would be Rs. 100 billion plus annually. Root-Knots, Cysts, Stunt, reniform, Lance & burrowing nematodes are major ones. chemical nematicides are not only hazardous to human health but pollute atmosphere and soil environment leaving residues in crop produce. Hence, bio-nematicides are safer and environmentally eco-friendly. Application of 25 kg Purpureocillium lilacinum (Pl)@ 25 kg + Carbofuran 1 kg/ha significantly reduced RKI (1.8) with maximum banana fruits. Pl @ 25 kg spore dust with carrier/ha(109cfu/g) either with poultry manure @ 10t/ha or mustard or neem cake @ 2 t/ha reduced gall index and gave higher brinjal fruit yield(ICBR 1:18.5). Neem cake enriched with Pl @ 10 kg/ha reduced PCN and increased potato tuber yield by 88.2%. Seed treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens(Pf) @10 g/kg seeds followed by Pf soil application @ 2.5 kg/ha decreased soil and root population of Reniform by 74.2 and 53.9 % in cotton. Pf @ 20g/m2 applied in nursery and subsequently transplanting treated seedlings in field reduced RKN on seedlings &increased 38.45% tomato yield (ICBR 1:2.90), 27.27 %. Brinjal yield (ICBR 1:2.5) & 37.75 % Chili yield (ICBR 1:3.0). Field application of Pl and Pf each @ 2.5 kg/ha along with 2.5 t FYM/ha reduced RKN by 32.01 & 35.67% and increased okra pod yield by 92.97 and 71.24%. Seed treatment of Pl @ 20 g/kg seeds coupled with Pf soil application @ 2.5 kg/ha reduced 35.45% RKN, 72.75% stem rot and increased 38.88 % ground yield. Even seed treatment with Pl @ 20g/kg seeds reduced 74.87% Reniform and increased 67.80% cotton yield (ICBR 1:68.74).